Gang Stats Show Movement in the Right Direction

by
admin on
13th-May-2017

Shiane D. Jacocks

San Bernardino District Attorney Mike Ramos

On April 26, San Bernardino County District Attorney Ramos released gang statistics for the first quarter.

According to Ramos, during the period of this report, his department committed gang members to serve a combined 900 years in state prison and two life-terms were assigned. In addition, 72 gang enhancements were added to charges and found true, while seven individuals were found guilty by jurors. Since the Gang Program’s inception in July 2005, 11,066 cases have been filed, including two on death row and 6,682 state prison commitments.

“As District Attorney,” Ramos said, “I have made the investigation and prosecution of criminal gang members in San Bernardino County a top priority. Alongside our law enforcement partners, I will continue to fight these local terrorists who terrorize our streets and prey upon our youth.”

Ramos is invested in getting violence off the street, but there remains work to be done. Ramos agrees that his prosecutors and support staff “[work] every day to keep our communities safe.”

"As we continue to hold the guilty accountable, we will also continue to wage another battle on the front end," Ramos said. "I am far too aware of the strong pull gangs have on our youth, which is why we continue to work diligently with our partners to prevent our children from joining gangs in the first place.”

Although some agree there has been progress, critics would like more demographic information included in these reports. They believe such information would tell a broader story of what progress was made within specific neighborhoods and communities.

Ramos received broad agreement with his statement: “We can reach our children at a young age and give them a chance to live a fulfilled life as productive members of our society.”